ICMA Certification Pathways – GMA, AMA, CMA & CGBA Programs

Students who have obtained a non-accounting degree, or be full members of recognized professional non-accounting bodies (e.g. Chartered Institute of Marketing) would have satisfied the broad educational objectives to enrol in the Graduate Conversion programme -which is to complete Stage 4 of the GMA programme prior to undertaking the CMA program. A student completing the Graduate Conversion programme is eligible to join as a Graduate Management Accountant (GMA).

ICMA’s Graduate Management Accountant (GMA) credential has been assessed for equivalency on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) at the Level 7 (Degree) by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). For more information about the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) click here.

A student completing the Graduate Management Accountant (GMA) program and those either completing the CMA preparatory program or having 3 years relevant experience is eligible to join as an Associate Management Accountant (AMA). Such students can enrol for the post-graduate level CMA program at any time; but must successfully complete this program and also accumulate 5-years of business experience to be eligible to join as a Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

The number of subjects that must be completed prior to undertaking the CMA program depends on the level of Recognised Prior Learning credit given.

The Graduate Conversion program can be done via the Global Business School.

CMA Certification Program

The flagship CMA Preparatory Program, consists of two subjects:

• Strategic Cost Management
• Strategic Business Analysis

ICMA’s Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credential has been assessed for equivalency on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) at the Level 9 (Master’s Degree) by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). For more information about the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) click here.

Entry Requirements

CMA Program (for Accounting Graduates/Professional Accountants)

It is envisaged that a student who has obtained a degree in accounting, commerce, business, finance or a related discipline (with a major in accounting) would have satisfied the broad educational objectives of the Graduate member programme, and is eligible to join as a Graduate Management Accountant (GMA). Full members of recognized professional accounting bodies (e.g. CA, CPA, CIMA, ACCA etc.) would also be eligible for this pathway, provided that they also possess a degree (in any discipline).

Degree programmes/professional accounting bodies that are not covered by the above categories, would need to be accredited by the Institute on a case-by-case basis. Such degree programmes must, as a minimum, be of three-year’s duration covering 24 subjects. The last year of a 4-year degree program would be considered as an Honours year.

A student is eligible to join as a Graduate Management Accountant (GMA) without having any business experience. A student having 3 years or more of business experience is eligible to join as an Associate Management Accountant (AMA). Such students can enrol for the post-graduate level CMA program at any time; but must successfully complete this program and also accumulate 5-years of business experience to be eligible to join as a Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

The CMA program can be done via the Global Business School or other Recognised Provider Institutions of the ICMA or via Accredited Universities.

The CGBA Programme (for Business Graduates/Professionals)

The aim of this programme is to further develop skills of data mining and big data analysis, evaluation and synthesis in the areas of business and customer analysis. The programme consists of one subject of the CMA program, Strategic Business Analysis, and can only be taken by graduates and professional in business related disciplines.

The CGBA is a certification only. Payment of annual membership fees of the ICMA (at the minimum of an Affiliate level) is required for the continued use of the CGBA post-nominals.

The CGBA program can be done via the Global Business School or other Recognised Provider Institutions of the ICMA or via Accredited Universities.

Assessments

Those undertaking course at an ICMA Recognised Provider Institution are all examined by the ICMA:

Marks Awarded

1. Learning Assignments (done for feedback purposes only) 0%
2. Final Assessment: Examination and/or Assignment 100%

Total 100%

A student must obtain a 50% pass grade, in the final assessment to pass the subject. Students obtaining less than 50% in the final assessment would Fail the subject.

Practical Experience Requirements

The following practical experience levels are required by the Institute:

• for Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification and membership – five years approved experience in a responsible business position is required.
• for Associate Management Accountant (AMA) certification and membership – either the completion the CMA preparatory program or 3 years relevant experience.
• for Graduate Management Accountant (GMA) certification and membership – no experience is required.
• for Certified Global Business Analysts (CGBA) certification – five years of business experience is required.